The Path

My son, listen to me and do as I say and you will have a long, good life.

I would have you learn this great fact; that a life of doing right is the wisest life there is. If you live that kind of life, you'll not limp or stumble as you run. Carry out my instructions; don't forget them, for they will lead you to real living.

Don't do as the wicked do. Avoid their haunts - turn away, go somewhere else, for evil men can't sleep until they've done there evil for the day. They can't rest unless they cause someone to stumble and fall. They eat and drink wickedness and violence!

But the good man walks along in the ever-brightening light of God's favor; the dawn gives way to morning splendor, while the evil man gropes and stumbles in the dark.

Proverbs 4:10-19 (TLB)

Lu Fullilove lives in Texas. A well-worn path runs along the perimeter of the field behind her house, a path that has been forged by the countless steps Lu has taken on its three-mile track. She has walked this path almost every day over the past 15 years. Her daily walks serve two purposes. The movement of her body improves her physical health, and her spiritual fitness improves as she meditates, prays, and senses God's presence in Nature.

Lu knows her path so well that she is able to judge her location just by seeing certain trees, rocks, and rain-washed gullies. She usually stays on the path; but when she deviates; she sometimes discovers something surprising and unsettling, like a well-camouflaged rattlesnake!

The path behind her house reminds Lu of the one God has laid out for her. As she walks along God's path, Lu comes to know God's unconditional love, peace, and guidance. When she strays, Lu encounters conflict and chaos. Daily practices like reading scripture, praying, and listening for God's response keep her walking along God's path. Her faith grows stronger with each step she takes. Lu wants her spiritual path to become as well-worn as the path in her pasture.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for preparing a path for us that leads to an intimate relationship with you. Help us to stay on that path, in Jesus' name. Amen.